Having two little monsters of my own, my interest was piqued when I saw a sign in a retail space window reading "Little Monsters." Turns out, my Facebook friend Andie Zacher is opening the shop for kids later this summer.

"I plan on opening in early August or, if I am able to get enough inventory early, possibly late July," says Zacher.

Little Monsters will offer kids' clothing, toys, accessories, retro candy and shoes from age newborn to size 10.

"This is something I have always wanted to do," says Zacher, who is the mother of a 10-year-old, Bella, who named the store.

Zacher says she always wanted to open a shop on Milwaukee's East Side and she loved the building that will house Little Monsters from the moment she saw it. Dentist Michael DeWan is also in the building.

"I have the utmost respect for Michael DeWan and Lora Keller (DeWan's wife), and feel so lucky to take this journey with them," says Zacher.

Zacher worked for the past 12 years as a manager / buyer / merchandiser for Boutique Bebe, 2630 N. Downer Ave. During that time, she was a member of the Downer Avenue BID and the secretary of the Downer Avenue Merchants Association.

"I ran the kids' bike race and treasure hunt that takes place during the Downer Classic. I also came up with the Downer dog costume contest that takes place during Downer's Festive Friday in December," says Zacher. "I do plan on continuing to run these events, just as the owner of Little Monsters."

Zacher hopes her shop can "bridge" North Avenue and Downer Avenue, and that more local shops and restaurants will follow.

"I would love to see what is happening in the Third Ward happen in other parts of the city," she says. "But more importantly, I would love to see what I see happening in other cities on a larger scale, with local shops becoming more prominent in all areas of the city, start to happen here in Milwaukee."

Stay tuned to OnMilwaukee.com for more information about Little Monsters later this summer.